Honorary freemen, aldermen and officers

The title 'alderman' comes from the Old English word ealdorman, meaning 'elder man'. The ealdorman was chief royal representative and presiding judge of the Anglo-Saxon shires.

Often related to the king, the ealdorman became known as the eorl or earl. However, the role of earl became a title rather than an appointment. As the government of the City of London developed, the Court of Aldermen became the main governing body. Most of its powers were later taken over by the Court of Common Council.

In 1835, local government reform led to the Municipal Corporations Act. The act adopted the City of London as its model for all English corporations.

Before 1835, Guildford had no aldermen - except for the years 1686-1688. In 1686, James II issued new charters to boroughs, giving them a constitution of mayor, aldermen and councillors. The charters gave the king the right to dismiss any member who displeased him.

James's borough charters were revoked in 1688. Guildford then went back to its old corporation of Mayor and Approved Men. The scarlet gowns now worn by the Honorary Aldermen are inspired by the 1686 charter.

The Local Government Act of 1972 did away with aldermen. But, Section 249 of the act states that a council may,

"by a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members voting at a specially-convened meeting, confer the title of Honorary Aldermen on persons who have 'rendered eminent services to the council as past members."

Honorary Aldermen do not have the right to attend meetings of the council. They can take part in civic ceremonies as an acknowledgement of esteem.

After 1835, one quarter of the council were aldermen, elected by the council. They did not represent specific wards and served a six-year term. Half of them were elected every third year at the council's annual meeting.

It was thought that the councillors would choose people from outside the council. In practice, aldermen were usually long-serving councillors.

Download a list of the Honorary Freemen of Guildford. (PDF, 1 MB)

Current Honorary Aldermen

• Mrs T Baker MBE, councillor from 1991 to 2007
• Mr K Childs, councillor from 1991 to 2007
• Mrs C Cobley, councillor from 1979 to 1999
• Mrs S Creedy, councillor from 2003 to 2015
• Mrs V Johnson, councillor from 1991 to 2007
• Mrs J D Marks, councillor from 1986 to 2007
• Mr T Patrick, councillor from 2003 to 2015
• Mrs L Strudwick, councillor from 1983 to 2007
• Mr N Sutcliffe, councillor from 1999 to 2015
• Mr M A H M Williamson, councillor from 1979 to 1995

We have adopted a protocol on the appointment, role, status, rights, and obligations of Honorary Freemen and Honorary Aldermen. (Word doc, 65 KB)